It would be easy to focus on the cat’s oversized eyes, and project a desperate circumstance – and feel a bit depressed. However, my friend described the picture this way: “I see hope.”
For my friend, the cat is not looking over his shoulder in fear and despair, it is preparing to embrace a new life. Warm, cared for, part of a family. It’s a message of hope, as it bids farewell to the negatives of its past. It is about to embrace a new life in mere seconds, filled with joy and love.
The cat is also not looking blindly behind it – it is gazing over its shoulder at the viewer – inviting us into the picture as well. Again, not with fear, but with hope; this time hope for the other – for the one behind him, who is also on the precipice of a new life.
Hope surrounds us all, the picture suggests; and for my friend, this cat is showing how hope overcomes even dreary surroundings.
As I was reflecting on the Feast of the Ascension this week, I thought about that cat. Uncertain as to what was in its immediate future, but hope-filled because of its faith and trust. With such confidence to invite others to join in the journey...
And I thought about my friend, who chooses to consider her life in a similar manner: knowing it is not perfect, and not expecting it to be: but also knowing that there is always goodness to be found – and aware that God always invites us to bring that goodness!
And I thought about the Christian experience that we all share. For while we can feel weighted by the realities of this world, the Ascension reminds us that love and grace and joy is pervasive throughout – to the end of the age. So whether our moments are of trust or of doubt (which is normal), we carry with us the assurance of hope.
When the disciples saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
Mt 28.17-18,20b
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